Synchysite-(Ce) is a rare earth carbonate mineral often found in alkaline environments. It is best identified by its distinct tabular, pseudohexagonal habit and typical tan or yellow-brown coloration, frequently occurring with other rare earth minerals.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonSynchysite Group family

Synchysite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this synchysite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch synchysite-(ce) with a known reference. Synchysite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Synchysite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Synchysite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, gray, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, often pseudohexagonal and flattened.

Often found alongside synchysite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with synchysite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCe(CO₃)₂F
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Gray Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Often Pseudohexagonal and Flattened
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, And Carbonatites
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find synchysite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Narsarsuk, Greenland
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Fen Complex, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, and carbonatites country — that is the host setting where synchysite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, often pseudohexagonal and flattened habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify synchysite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, gray, colorless.

Where is synchysite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Narsarsuk, Greenland; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Fen Complex, Norway.

How much is synchysite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with synchysite-(ce)?+

Synchysite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Fluorite, Calcite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does synchysite-(ce) form in?+

Synchysite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, and carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is synchysite-(ce) used for?+

Synchysite-(Ce) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find synchysite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.